Recording mechanism for meters.



S. C. SHAFPNER.

RECORDING MEGHANISM Fon METERS. APPLICATION FIIBD JAH. 27, 1909.

Patented Mar; 4, 1913.

11 sHf-znTHsEET 1.

www"

NW3/W) s. o. SHAPPNER. l RECORDING MEGHANISM FOR METERS.

' APPLICATION FILED JAN. 27, 1909.

Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

S. G. 'SHAPFNER RECORDING MEGEANISM EOE METERS.

APILIOATION FILED .TA-N. 27, 1909.

Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

U. SHEETS-BEEET 3.

f s.. o. SHAPENER, RECORDING MEGHANISM PQR METERS, APPLIQATION FILED JAN. 27, 1909.

LOMHQQO Patented Mam-,1913.

yi-@mg m y s.' G. SHAPFMR.' RECORDING MECHANISM I-'l'OR METERS. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 27, 1909.v

1,054,720, Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

MW EE? S. C. SHAEPNER.

RECORDING MECHANISM FOR METERS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 2v, 1909.

Il@ fr l1 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

METER N1l68t7 AT aas mam sT.

PRESENTREnUmq HMT.

Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

s. C. SHAPPNER. RECORDING MECHANISM POR METERS.

APPLIGATION FILE) JAN'. 27, 1909.

Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET '7.

. s. 0. SEAEENER.

` RECORDING MEGEANISM PE METERS.

APPLIATION FILED JAN. 27,-1909.

1,054,720.. PatentedMar. 4, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

v S. U; SHAEFNBR. RECORDING MBGHANISM FOR METERS. 11,15PLI0L1J110N FILED mm2?, 1909.

1,054,720. Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

S. G". SHAFFNER.

RBQORDNG MBGHANISM POR METERS. APPLICATION FILED JAIN. 27, 1909.

Patented Manl, 1913.

11 SHEETS-BHBET 10.

s. c. SHAPPNER.

RECORDING MECHANLSM FOR METERS.

APPLICATION FILEDv JAN. 27, 1909.

Patented Mar. 4, 1913.

11 SHEETS-SHEET 11.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL C. SHAFFNER, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

RECORDING MECHANISM FOR METERS.

Application led January 27, 1909.

To Il 1r/0m it may concern.'

Be it known that I, Santini. C. SHAFFNER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident ot' the city of Chicago, in the county ot' Cook and State of lllinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in 'Recording Mechanisms for Meters; and I do hereby declare that the following is a tull, clear, and exact description ot the same, reference being had to the acconipanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specifi ation.

It has heretofore been the almost invariable practice of operating companies in the ease of both gas and electric meters to employ inspectors to each month visit each meter installed to take the reading and to report the same to the company office where more or less complicated accounts are kept with the various meter users, and monthly bills rendered. ()t necessity in cities ot' considerable size a very large torce of men is thus required to take the meter readings and a large oilice torce is required to keep the books and records. and in consequence, thc operating expense of the company is large. Furthermore, many householders object to the periodical visits of unknown meter inspectors and are constantly exposed to the danger of unauthorized persons obtaining access to they premises by imlwrsonating an inspector.

The object ot' this invention is to ati'ol'd a recording mechanism adapted to be installed in connection with, or as a part ot' a gas, electric or any other type ot| meter and adapted to att'ord in connection with the usual visible meter record, an interior recording mechanism whereby the householder or user of the meter may at. any time obtain a record sheet accurately showing the l then meter reading.

It is also an object of the invention to atford a recording mechanism for meters adapted to enable the householder or meter user Vto obtain his bill for service from the meter whenever he may desire the same.

It is also an object of the invention to atford in a device ot' the class described a mechanism impelled independently of the lneter register but the operation of which is controlled thereby.

It is further an object of the invention to afford an automatic recording mechanism associated with a meter and in which means other than the meter register are employed Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 4,1913.

Serial No. 474,370.

to im )el the mechanism, and in which the recor ing means are operated by a suitable key both in printing the bill and in returning the mechanism to normal.

The invention embraces many novel features and consists in the matters hereinafter described and more fully pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

ln the drawings: Figure 1 is a front elevation ot' a meter of ordinary type with which is associated mechanism embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a section on line Q---Q oi Fig. l.. Fig. 3 iS a section on line 3--3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a. section on line 4 4 of Fig. Q. Fig. 5 is a View in horizontal section taken above the bill holding and total record mechanism. Fig. 6 is a section taken on linc 6-6 of Fig.V Fig. 7 is a similar view taken adjacent the actuating mechanisn'i for the total amount recorder. Fig. 8 is an enlarged section taken on line 8--8 ot Fig. Fig. 9 is a section on line 9 9 ot Fig. 3. Fig. 10 is a reduced section on line 10-10 of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section with parts omitted illustrating the operation of the type carriage. Fig. 12 is a top plan View of the type carriage and ram case. Fig. 13 is a section on line 13-13 of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a section on line 11i- 14 0f Fig. 12. Fig. l5 is an enlarged fragmentary detail elevation ot thel mechanism for shifting the type in the present reading recorder. Fig. t6 is a section on line 16-16 of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a View Ataken oppositely from Fig. 16, and showing the mutilated gear, the ratchet and the pawl for controlling the gear. Fig. 18 is a top plan View of one of the transferring or carrying posts. Fig. 19 is an inner side elevation thereof. Fig. 2() is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the master gear whereby both the recording mechanisms are actuated. Fig. 21 is an enlarged side elevation of the. rotary Veeder recorder, from which the impression of the total reading is taken. Fig. 22 is an enlarged section taken on line 22-22 of Fig. 21. Fig. 23 is a section taken on line 23-2?, of Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a section taken'on line, Q-t-t ot' Fig. 22. Fig. 25 is an enlarged detail on line 25--25 of Fig. f2, with parts omitted, and showing the trip mechanism whereby the type bars are returned to normal after each record. Fig. 26 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken longitudinally ot' the shaft for the mutilated gears,

' ord or impression from the recorder.

the shaft being shown in elevation. Fig. 27 is an enlarged section on line 27-27 of Fig. 3. Fig. 28 is a section on line 28-28 of Fig. 27. Fig. 29 is an outer face View of the winding disk or plate. Fig. 30 is an enlarged detail plan View of the trip mechanism for returning the type bars to normal. Fig. 31 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken on line 31-31 of Fig. 3, and illustrating the general construction of the escapement. Fig. 32 is a fragmentary detail showing the connection between the escapement and the usual meter register. Fig. 33 is a view (partly in elevation and partly in section an broken away, of the envelop containing the bill, and if desired, the duplicate and triplicate thereof together with the carbon sheets for preparing such duplicate and tri licate bills.

s shown in the drawings: A, indicates a meter of any kind or description and provided with the usual or any rotary dial register a, to enable the meter readings to be seen externally of the meter. Secured to the side of the meter either as a part thereof or rigidly attached thereto, in any suitable manner tol prevent unauthorized interference, is a casing A', the back of which conveniently is flush with the back of the meter and which is adapted to contain a art of the recording mechanism, the sub- ]ect matter of this invention. integrally connected with the casin A', and projecting forward at the top t ereof is a casing A2, adapted to contain the envelo s or sheets for the successive statements an containing a mechanism for successively feeding the same to the point of delivery and discharge.'

Extending transversely the casings A- A2, and journaled on an inner bracket b, and in the outer face or wall of the outer compartment or casing, is a key actuated shaft B, on which within the compartment afforded bythe casing A2, is a feeder comprising a spirally arranged metallic strip secured on said shaft and affording, as shown in said compartment, twelve whirls b', between each of which, as shown in Fig. 2, is inserted through the side wall of said casing A2, an envelop X, as shown in Figs. 2 and 33, and in which is provided a carbon sheetm, an original m', a duplicate carbon m2, and a duplicate sheet m2, or any desired number whether one o-r more of sheets of paper or other suitable material to receive the rec- Below said spiral feeder and supporting said envelop is a horizontal plate b2, which extends from the outer face a5, of the casing A2, inwardly to near the outer face a4, of the casing A', and at its inner end is inclined slightly upwardly, as shown in Fig. 8, affording a lip b4, adapted to hold the'envelops in place on said table until pressed therefrom by the feeder. Beneath said table and secured to the outer face a5, of the casing A2, is a plate or post C, on which is secured a bracket c, to which is pivotally engaged a toggle bar c', the other end of which is engaged on a link c2, to the inner end of which is pivot-ally engaged a toggle bar c2, corresponding with the toggle bar c', and connecting with a bracket c4, secured on a sliding impression plate C', as shown in Figs. 2, 5, and 8. Extending parallel said toggle levers and journaled 1n the face plates t4-a2 of the respective casings A-A2, is a rock shaft C2, on which is secured an arm c5, provided at its extremity with a fork which engages a central cylindric shaft portion c6, in the link C2, whereby the depression of the end of the arm c5, acts to force the impression plate C, inwardly toward the plate a4, abutting the face wall of the casing A.

Secured on the shaft C2, isan upwardly and transversely extending lever 08, which extends beneath the shaft B, and is normally supported by means of a spring c7, engaged to the top of the casing A2, at one end and at the other is secured on said lever, and secured on said shaft B, is an arm B', positioned normally, as shown in Fig. 7, and adapted as the shaft B, is rotated by the key to depress the end of the lever 08, and thereby actuate the toggle bars to force the impression head or plate C", inwardly to strike the envelop X, shown in Fig. 7, to impress the present reading. record thereon from a register hereinafter described. Said arm B, is secured on the shaft approximately in position to require a rotation of approximately 45 before actuating the impression plate or head C, to the limit of its travel, and also secured on the shaft- B, as shown in Fig. 7, is an arm B2, corresponding with the arm B', and arranged approximately 45 to the rear thereof, and adapted when all the impressions have been made upon the envelop to release the same to permit the envel-op to fall from the machine. For this purpose, as shown, arms D, are pivoted one at each end of the envelop, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, with the lower ends thereof hooked inwardly to support the envelop and the upper ends thereof above the pivot connected by means of bars d, pivoted thereon and CIK `false readings particularly in the more senfor the purposes ot' this invention. lt is of t the utmost importance. however. with de-i vices of this class that the meter register be not required to drive such recording niechanisins, otherwise the resistance may cause sitive types of meters. l'have provided recording mechanism iinpelled by spring mechanism, the operation of which is controlled by a simple escapeinent operatedi with very slight resistance by the meter register. For this purpose, as shown, standards E-ll', are secured on the bottoni of the casing A. and extend upwardly toward the shaft B, and journaled thereon horizontally and as shown, at a right angle with the shaft B, is a shaft c, on which is rotatably secured a master gear E?, of large size. A\lso secured on said shaft is a spring drum or barrel e', having a ttanged periphery c, which bears against the face of said gear and is provided with ratchet teeth, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, 27, and Q8, and secured within said spring barrel is a strong spiral spring e3, the inner end of which is rigidly engaged to the shaft e, and the outer end of which is engagedon the drliin barrel, as shown in Fig. 2T, said spring being secured in said barrel in such position that when wound up the stress exerted by the spring on the spring barrel and the ratchet is exerted in the direction of the pitch of the ratchet teeth. Secured on said master gear E2, as shown in Fig. L), is a spring pressed pawl c4, which is at all times in engagement with said ratchet teeth, and in consequence, acting to rotate the master gear and spring barrel from said spring.v Said shaft c, is rigidly engaged to the standard ll. by a key or any other fastening means suitable for this purpose, as shown in Fig. 2t). Vertical type guides F-F--I"--F". arranged equal distances apart, and extending from the top to the bottoni of the casing in parallel relation are rigidly secured therein. As shown, the type guides F-F, are inwardly facing channels and the type guides l"-F'', are channeled on both sides, as shown in Fig. t), or in other words, are in the form of I bars. Vertically slidable in the type guides are type bars as shown in Figs. 3, 4, t), 15, and lt'). These, as shown, are three in number, though, of course` a greater number may be employed if required, and ai'e indicated by f-f'-f2, appropriated to units, tens and hundreds respectively, and as shown, each of the saine is slotted at equal distances from the ends to receive therein a stack of type (ten in number) in each bar. and reading from the top downwardly as (I and the nine significanty digits in their order. As shown, the type faces of said type indicated by f3, are directed outwardly or toward the envelop supported against the face of said casing, as shown in Fig. 2, and

'escapement wheel g3.

means are provided for yieldingly retaining said type with their faces in aliiiement,

. comprising, as shown in Figs. t) and l0, a

recess cut in each type on each side thereof, and a corresponding recess or channel in the f adjacent inner side of thetype bar. Springs,

j, are seated in said recesses, one on each side for each type and act when the type are struck outwardly in making the iinpression to immediately return the type to normal position in the type bar, and each of said type, as shown, is shaped on its rear end to afford a V shaped rib f5, adapted to be struck by suitable mechanism hereinafter described for forcing the type into operative position for the impression.

Means are provided for successively elevating the type bars by means of the master gear and with the type therein to indicate present reading". For this purpose, as shown, a shaft G, is journaled below the master gear and parallel the shaft e, on the standard E, and upon a bracket g, rigidly secured on the type guide F, and rigidly secured on one end is a pinion g', in mesh with the inastei gear E2, and rigidly secured on the opposite end or that adjacent the, type guide F, is a gear g. Journaled also on the bracket g, before described is an This, as shown, is provideiLon its inner side with a pinion g4, which meshes with the gear g2, as shown in Figs. 3, 4; and 3l. Said escapeiiieiit wheel g3, is provided near its periphery on its outer side with a pin g5, which projects outwardly therefrom into position to bear against a vertical reciprocating rod or bar g, provided at one point near its lower end with a notch g7, which permits the pin to pass therethrough.

Means are provided for reciprocating said bar from the meter register. For this purpose, as shown, a worin L, is secured on the shaft i, for the meter dial Il, or any of the meter dials, and meshing with said worm is a worm gear lif". secured on a shaft i, which extends through the wall of the casing A, and is provided on its inner end with a disk, wheel. pin or any suitable crank Il?. Secured atl one end on .said crank is a connecting rod lr, thc lower end of which is pivotally engaged cn said upper end of said reciprocating mached rod ff. ln consequence, the rotation of said dial Il. serves to slowly elevate and depress said rod y, which moves through suitable guides y, to hohl the same at all times in proper alinement and the shaft (t, and the master gear are at all times held from movement by said escalienient except that at each limit of the reciprocation or movement of the rod y, the escapement disk y, is permitted one half a rotation, and in consequence, a corresponding movenient is permitted under the action of the spring in the master gear and the shaft G,

and conveniently the gears and worms are so proportioned with reference to each other that with each one hundred feet 0r one hundred units indicated on the register dials, said movement occurs on the shaft Gr, impelled by the master gear, said movement being sufiicient to indicate one on each of the recorders contained within the casing A, for this purpose the type bar f2, being first elevated one type space with each movementof the master gear until the nine digit having been elevated into recording po-sition, the next movement permits the type bar f2, to fall to 0 position, and the 10 is carried by the elevation of the type bar f', one space. For the purpose of accomplishing this movement mutilated gears II-I2, are rotatably secured on the shaft G, and positioned at the rear of the type bars f-f-f2. Each of said gears is constructed as shown in Fig. 16, having nine teeth, each spaced one tenth of a circumference apart leaving a space one fifth of a circumference between the iirst and last tooth, and as shown, the corresponding typev bar for each gear is, provided with notches to afford a rack adapted to be engaged by said teeth to successively lift the type bar with the rotation of said gear.

Rigidly secured on the shaft G, is a collar g1, and a clutch member g, which is feathered or splined on the shaft, and is shaped to engage a complemental clutch member forming, as shown in Figs. 15 and 26, a part of the hub of the gear I2. Between said collar g1", and the clutch member g11,'1s provided a spring which yieldingly engages the clutch g, forcing the same into engagement with the clutch gm, of the gear I2, thereby forcing the gear in one direct-ion, that is to say, the direction necessary to elevate the type bar f2.

For the purpose of carrying the amount from the t-ype bar f2, to the type bar f', and thence to thev type bar f, posts K-K', are provided supported by a bracket K2, secured to the guide bars F-F3, as shown in Figs.- 4 and 16. Each of said posts is constructed as sho-wn in Figs. 16 and 19, and at its upper end is approximately rectangular and at its lower end is cylindric, as shown, and is 'provided with a collar 7c', rigidly secured thereon at its extremity. Said lower end of the post tits on a suitable seat 7c, in its bracket and secured on said cylindric portion 7c, thereof is a spring 7a2, the lower end of which bears upon said seat and the upper end of which bears against suitable shoulders on the post and acts to hold said post elevated to its fullest extent or, in other words, to bring the collar 1', into bearing beneath the bracket. Secured on the side of each of said posts and projecting outwardly and parallel with the shaft Gr, and toward the gear of the next lower denomination is a finger 71:3, and as shown, adapted to be engaged by a long tooth 7c, on the units gear I2, or on the tens gear I', as the case may be. Also secured on said post on the opposite lside thereof from the finger 7c3, is a pawl 705,

.70, on said gears are each placed diametrically opposite the ninth or last tooth on the same gear so that as the ninth tooth releases the rack in its type bar, said long tooth engages the arm 763,011 the corresponding post K, or K', forcing the same downwardly against the tension of its spring, its pawl 705, engaging the ratchet of the next succeeding gear and rotating the same one space thereby elevating the next succeeding type bar one space or carrying the ten, and as shown, as the lo-ng tooth slips from the arm 7c3, of said post', the first and ninth teeth on the actuating gear are in the position shown in Fig. 16, at which time the first actuated type bar may drop to indicate 0.

As shown, each of the type guides is provided With a pawl 768, which at all times engages the ratchets of the corresponding type wheel and serves to hold the same from reverse rotation. In this manner the successive intermittent rotations of the master gear acts to successively elevate the respective type bars to recording position, the horizontal row of type corresponding in position with the recording aperture Y, in Fig. 2, at all times reading correctly to indicate the number of hundred feet or hundred units consumed.

Rams L-L-L2, are provided, one opposite each type bar and positioned to strike the respective type when in recording position outwardly to make the record. For this purpose a casing or frame is secured in horizontal position at the rear of said type bars and slidably secured therein by the side walls Z-Z', and suitable guides Z2-73, are rectangular bars such as shown in Fig. 13, each of which is provided at its outer end or that adapted to strike the rear end of the type, with a V shaped seat complemental with the V shaped rib on said type. As shown, each of the arms is provided with a longitudinal central bore adapted to receive a coiled spring Z5, therein one end of which is engaged against the back plate ZG, of said ram frame and which acts to impel the ram forwardly int-o striking relation with the type when released.

Means' are provided for retracting the rams from the type and holding'the same out of engagement until the shaft B, is rotated to obtain the meter readings; For this purpose, as shown, a spiral cam plate Il", is rigidly secured on the shaft l, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 1l, said spiral plate having a considerable pitch consisting of but a single whirl, the ends of which terminate in radial lines on the cam, as shown in Fig. ll, atr'ordng a narrow open space between the ends.

Slidably secured in a laterally channeled horizontal track M, secured to the ram frame and extending parallel the rams is a carriage M', eoni )rising a bar provided with horizontal rol ers lm/---m', one at each end thereof and extending into the lateral channels in the track. on said carriagl M', is an arm m, which extends transversely the ram frame, as shown n Figs. ll and 12, and is adapted to engage on its rear side an integral pin l", secured on eaeh ram and extending upwardly through a suitable longitudinal slot in the top plate l, for said ram frame. Also seeured on said carriage is an upwardlyextending stud m'", o n which is journaled an anti-friction roller m, positioned to be engaged by the spiral 'am L, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 1l, so that as said spiral cam is rotated, said carriage is forced rearwardly to the position shown in Fig. l2, to be released atthe open radial slot in said cam whereupon the springs impel the rams and the carriage for 'ardl v, the rains striking the horizontal line of type then in recording position, and the roller on said carriage coming into position to be again engaged by the cani and forced rearwardly with the next rotation of said shaft l, and cam thereon.

Means are provided for immediately returning all the type bars to naught (0) or their last position immediately after the type have been rannned in making the impression or record. For this purpose, all the. type bars are simultaneously forced upward to transferring or carrying position, the saine being the limit of their upward travel at which noint none of the teeth on the mutilated gears for actuating the type ha rs are in engagement, hence the type bars from this position fall freely to their lowest or naught (0) position as before described. To effect this movement a lever N, is pivoted at one end in a suitable bearing n, near the bottom of the back of the casing A, as shown in Figs. and 30, and extends forwardl y therefrom across the bottom of said casing and is provided at its forward end with parallel forks or arms N/ Nz-N3, which extend respectively beneath t-he respective type bars, and as shown, are slightly curved convexly on their upper surfaces which engage said bars. Journaled in suitable bearings 1/,4, on the bottom of said easing and close to the rear wall is a lever, one arm n.7'. of which extends beneath the lever N, not far from its pivot bearing,

integrally secured and the. otherfarm n, of which extends 0p- )ositely therefrom and normally supports a mr n?, one end ot' which rests on the lever arm n", and the other cnd of which extends upwiardly through suitable guides n", into engagement with a eyeloidal cam n", rigidly secured on the rear or inner end of the shaft l, and adjusted so that at the termination of each rotation of the shaft B, said cam strikes said bar n.7, downwardly thereby throwing the free end of the, lever N, upwardly to an extent to'carry said type bars on said prongs N-N--N-", to the upper limit ot' their travel. Said cam, however, at the peripheral point corresponding with ,the greatest. radius is cut away, as shown in dotted lines in Figs. 4 and 25 to permit said bar n.7, to again rise impelled by the weight. of the type bars at the moment the shaft B, has completed its rotation, thus permitting the type bars to descend to naught (0) position, as shown in Fig. 3.

Secured on the upper end of the standard or post E, as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 20, is an ordinary or any rotary vVeeder register for the total readings. As shown, for this purpose an integral or other plate o, is secured on the upper end of said standard an'd secured thereon and extending forwardly are brackets o', in which is journaled the Veeder shaft 02. R-igidly secured on the end of said shaft and meshing with the master gear E2, is a pinion o, whereby said shaft is rotated. Rigidly secured on said shaft is the units wheel 0, or that appropriated to the last denomination recorded and arranged rotatably and successively on said shaft are the tens wheel 0', and hundreds wheel O2. As shown, each of said wheels is marked on its periphery successively with the ten digits spaced equal distances apart. Secured at its ends in said brackets o', is a shaft 0*, arranged adjacent the periphery of the counting wheels and parallel the Veeder shaft o2. Rotatably secured on said shaft is a. ten toothed gear, the periphery of which extends between the counting wheels O and O', and meshes with a similar ten toothed gear of equal size integral with the counting wheel O. thickness to project beyond the inner face of the gear o, on said counting wheel sufficiently to adapt the same to be engaged by a finger 07, rigidly secured on the hub of the gear O, in position to mesh in said' gea-r 05, when said counting wheel O, is in position for the digit 9, to register, thus with the next succeeding movement of vsaid counting wheel rotating the counting wheel O', one space or digit and simultaneously turning the counting wheel O, to naught (0) posit-ion, or, in other words, carrying the ten. In a similar manner the gear o", on said shaft o, projects between the count- Said gear 05, is of a' ing wheels and O2, and likewise engages a gearv 0,.integral with the inner face of the counting wheel O, and is adapted to be engaged by a finger o7 secured on the hub of the counting wheel O. ln consequence, when the counting wheel Q, is posltioned for nine to register, the next movement brings said counting wheel to or registering wheels may be employed, and

,if necessary or desirable any suitable de-4 tents may be employed in addition to the to prevent said counting or registering wheels rotating in either direction exceptl when and to the extent impelled by the ro-l tation of the master gear.

positioned' for the digitsv Said permanent or total register is in ,recording position to project slightly through an openin in the front wall a4, of the casing A, directly opposite the impression plate C', in the casing A2, before` described. rllhe type carried in the type bars when in recording position also project through a corresponding opening in said front plate A, `and approximately at the same level with the Veeder register.: Rigidly secured in said casing A2, substantially in alinement with the impression plate C', is a rigid impression plate l?, against which the envelop X, containing `the paper and carbon sheets for the impression rests, and against which the same is driven by the type and under the impulse imparted by the rams in recording.

All the operation herein described with the exception of a part of the operation of the escapement is effected either by the rotation of the shaft B, when rotated once by means of a suitable key or is effected continuously by the rotation of the master gear E2, driven by its spring, and, inasmuchl as practically all the work normally performed by the machine is accomplished by. the action of said spring, it follows that means must be provided adapted to unfailingly wind up said spring after eaclr record has been taken. .For this purpose, a diskor wheel R, of relatively large diaine-. terl is secured on the inner end of the shaft B, andsecured near the periphery thereof is a pin 1^, on which is engaged a strap, cable or any suitable flexible connection or cord r', which depends into the casing A', and t-he lower end of which is wound about a suitable sheave e, rigidly secured upon a sleeve or hub cl3, integral with the spring' barrel e, as shown in Figs. 2 and 28, said cable being wound around said sheave by the normal rotation of the master gear under the impulse of the spring and being unwound therefrom thereby winding up the spring with each rotation of the shaft B,

naught (0)'V position and shifts the counting wheel 02,: to' carry the tens. Of course, in the same .manner any desired number of counting A guide R', is rigidly secured to the casing A, through which the cord ll", passes.

The operation is as follows: When the meter is installed the envelops or sheets X, for a sufficient number ot monthly bills are inserted one between each ofthe whirls of the spiral feeder and supported u on the table or plate b. i At this time, ofpcourse, both the meter register and both the recording mechanisms in the casing A', stand at naught (0). The spring es, is,` of course, wound up to the required tension by means of the shaft B, and the instrument 1s sealed from unauthorized interference. As the dial or wheel H, of the meter register rotates the worm gear h2, is rotated by means of the worm h, on the shaft h', and in con` sequence the escapement bar y, is slowly reciprocated up and down on the crank h4, and yat the upper and lower limit of the movement of said bar the notch near the lower end thereof comes into register with the escapement pin g5, on the escapement disk g3. Thls pm at all other times presses lightly against the escapement bar under the pressure of the spring e3, which is communicated to said escapementdisk by means of the shaft G, the gear g2, and the pinion g4, o-n the escapement disk. When the pin registers with said notch in said bar it immediately passes through the notch and the disk rotates until the pin again engages on the bar. In'other Words, said disk revolves 180, and permits consequently the gear g2, and shaft C, to rotate'proport-ionately, or

enough to raise the units type b ar one digit or type space in height by the engagement of the mutilated gear therefor in the rack in said type bar. Of course, the pro-portion of said gears of necessity will vary dependent upon which of the meter register wheels or dials actuates the escapement bar. instance, the meter Wheel or dial H, indicates units, the proportion of said gears may be such as to count one, or, in other words, raise the units type bar one type space with eacli rotation of the. meter wheel, thus one complete rotation of the meter wheel or ten units would be indicated by raising the type bar f2, one type space to register one ten and If, for

similarly if the proportions be such that the meter register Wheel H, may rotate ten times before raising the type bar f2, one space, each digit infsaid type bar would indicate hundreds. Of course, the requirements in this respect may vary to suit the rules of the owners of the meter. F2, has been raised to its fullest extent, or, in other words, to indicate at recording position nine units of the required denomination, the next movement, as before described, results in the long finger or tooth LA, on the mutilated gear for said type bar striking the arm h3, on the spring supported post K, striking the same downwardly and When the type bar in consequence of such downward movement rotating the next succeeding f ar one s ace because of the engagement ofeilige paw 1 on said post with the ratchet wheel secured o-n such succeeding gear, and consequently carrying the tens to the next higher recording wheel. While this is transpiring and the respective type bars are successively rising and falling under the intermittent impulse imparted to the master gear by the shaft G, the intermittent rotations of said master gear each rotate the units wheel 0, on the total recording Veeder one. space or digit, and, as the registering progresses said Veeder carries the, ten, as is usual, at, all times pressing opposite the impression plate l', the correct register of the number of units registered by the meter. Dnring this registering period the shaft B, with all the parts attached thereto remains at rest and is capable of being inipelled only by the key of the meter user who is required to periodically obtain his bill from the meter, retain the'saine for future reference and send the duplicate thereof to the company with paynient.

lVhen the key is inserted the shaft is rotated once around producing the following operations: The spiral feeder forces an envelop X, with one or more sheets of paper and carbon copy sheets therein, over the edge of the table b, whereupon the same drops to the position shown in'liig. t3, and is supported on the arms D. with the face of the envelop pressed against the raised type on the Veeder register and also against the horizontal line of type in recording position in the respective type bars. (`ontiniied rotation of the shaft acts to force the carriage M. rearwardly, ret racting the rams L--l/-l, against the tension of the spring and before said retraction is complete to releasing position. the linger li', presses the lever c, downwardly, thus throwing the lever c5 downwardly and forcing the impression plate ('i, inwardly b v means of the toggle bars -w, thereby Ijamming the envelop with its contents or bill sheets against the type of the feeder and producing the impression. Further rotation of said shaft l5, carries the finger o. past the lever a, and brings the carriage M to the rearward limit of its travel at which pointl the roller nl, is released from the spiral cam and under the impulse of the springs in the rams is thrust, forwardly together with the rams, said rains striking a sufficient blow on the respective type in registering posit-ion to drive said type positively against the, envelop resting against the rigid impression plate, thereby producing the temporary or presentreading record. ('ontinued rotation of the shaft l, now brings the finger B2, into engagement with the hinged bai's (Z, pivotally engaged at the upper end of the l levers D, in consequence throwing the lower ends of said levers outwardly and against the tension of the spring Il', and permitting the envelop or bill or bills containing the record `to fall from the slot in the bottom of the casing A, and upon a shelf Y', secured on the front of the casing A, in position to receivel the same. lmn'iediately following the release of the carriagi and the impression of Present reading on the bills, the spiral cam again engages the cai'- riage and slightly retracts the same to release the envelop from all pressure from said type and thereupon the cam n", forces the bar n?, downwardl thus elevating the free end of the lever sufficiently to carry all the type bars to the upward limit ofthcir nioveuient or to the nine recording position, rotating all the mutilated gears on the shaft (t, on the spring clutch y, and bringing all the teeth of said mutilated gears ont of engagement with the type bars. At this moment the cam releases the bar n.7, whereupon the type bars descend to their lowest position by gravity carrying the lever N, Vdownwardly therewith and again elevating the bar nl, and setting said type bars in naught (0) position to begin the registering for the next reading.

Of course, lwith each rotation of the shaft B, the disk or wheel R, thereon draws upon the cable or cord fr, which, during the preceding registering period has been wound upon the sheave e, and by such draft reversely rotates the spring barrel on the master gear, thus winding up the spring for the next registering period. The master gear during this operation, of course, is rigidly held from movement by the escapement which locks the shaft and consequently by means of the pinion y', the master gear E, from movement.

I am well aware that the particular mechanisms for accomplishing the projection of the record or bill may be varied to a very great extent to afford a print-ing or recording meter and that many different devices and expedients may be employed to enable the work of recording and printing the bill and the returning of the recording mechanism to normal to be effected by energv other than that generated in the meter itseif. I have, for convenience, shown an independent spring entirely disassoeiated from the meter except for the control thereof exercisedby the escapement and adapted to actuate the recording register. ably, however, weights could be utilized for this purpose or even a inotoi' other than a spring motor may be employed to obtain Unquestion- ,Y

equally accurate results. l have, therefore,

nizing mechanism controlled fromthemeter register but requiring such slightl expenditure of energy as not to affect the mostsensi-` tive meter.

I claim as my invention:

1. A recording register adapted for use in connection with meters embracing a recording register mechanism, a motor set under tension for actuating the same, mechanism adapted to automatically impress the record, discharge the bill or record, and set one of the registers at starting position and a manually actuated releasing mechanism adaptedto release said mechanism. to permit said operations to be performed.l

Q. A meter and its register, a recording mechanism, a feeding mechanism adapted to contain and to successively deliver in recording position the material upon which the record is to be made, pivotal levers for supporting the material, a spring motor controlled by the meter for impelling the recording mechanism, and mechanism acting to swing the levers oppositely to permit the discharge of the completed record.

3. In a machine of the class described a plurality of recordingl registers, an inde` pendent source of energy for actuating the same, a meter, an escapement operated from the meter, mechanism adapted to automatically impress the record, discharge the bill or record. and set one of 'the registers at starting position. anda manually actuated releasing mechanism adapted to release said mechanism to permit said operations to be performed.

4. In a machine of the class described recording registers, an independent source of energy for actuating the saine, a meter, an escapement operated from the meter, mechanism adapted to automatically impress the record, discharge the bill or record, and set one of the registers at starting position, a manually actuated mechanism adapted to release said mechanism to permit said opera tions to be performed and means for restoring the energy in the independent source.

5. In a machine of the class described a feeding mechanism adapted to contain and to successively deliver in recording posit-ion the material upon which the record is to be made, pivotal levers for supporting the material, and mechanism acting to swing the levers oppositely to permit the discharge of the completed record.

6. A recording mechanism for meters embracing a source of power other than the meter, a regist g actuated thereby, a manually actuatedl feeder for delivering the material upon which the .record is to be made, to the register, key operated means for producing the impression or record, synchronizing means operatively connected with the meter re 'ster and with said independent source vo power, and means also operated by the key for renewing the energy in said source of power after each record 1s taken.

A7. Recording mechanism adapted for use fo-r association with a meter and embracing a casing adapted to be sealed from interference, a motor, a plurality of registering mechanisms in said casing, and actuated by the motor, a feeder for materials upon which the record is to be made, mechanism for impressing the record upon said materials from said registers, mechanism automatically returning one of the registers to normal after the record, mechanism for restoring the energy in the motor after each record, said feeder and saidV impression mechanism being manually actuated, and operative connections with the meter for synchronizing the motor in said recording apparatus from the meter register.

S. In a machine of the class described a motor, means synchronizing the same from a meter register, key operated means for discharging the record from said mechanism, and renewing the energy in said motor, and operative connections with said key actuating mechanisms for setting thedevice at normal after each record.

9. In a device of the class described an independent motor, connections synchronizing the same from the meter register, and mechanisms adapted to be actuated by a key for affording a permanent record of the meter readings and discharging the record from the machine and setting the motor to normal.

10. Recording mechanisms for meters embracing a casing adapted to be sealed from interference, a motor therein, a total register and a present reading register actuated by said motor, synchronizing means operated from the meter register and controlling the motor, manually operated rotatable means for delivering the material for the record before said registers, producing the record, discharging the same, and setting the present reading register at normal, all of said mechanisms acting independently of the motor and meter.

11. An attachment for a meter embracing recording devices, mechanism for actuating the same, a spring motor, and operative connections between the meter and motor acting to control the recording from the meter register.

12. An attachment for a meter embracing recording mechanisms adapted to show the readings of the meter independently of the meter registers, impression plates, pivoted members for supporting the record material between the plates and reco-rding mechanism, key operated means for taking the readings and releasing the pivo-tedA members after the reading to release the record material, and operative connections controlling said recorders from the Yneter register.

13. A device adapted for use in conjunction with meters embracing recording dev1ces comprising reciprocating type bars having type carried thereby, means controlling the operation thereof from the meter register, and manually operated means act- 1ng to reclprocate the appropriate type to impress the record upon a suitable record sheet.

14. The combination with a meter and its registers of automatic recording devices adapted to show the condition of the meter since the last reading, means operatively connecting said recorders with the meter register for controlling the operation thereof therefrom automatically acting rams for making the record, manually operated.

means for releasing the rams, and means for automatically set-ting one or more of the recorders back to naught 15. In combination with a meter and its registers, a plurality of recording devices associated therewith, and controlled from the meter registers, a key operated feeder adapted to carry a record sheet into recording position, means impressing the record thereon, and mechanism also operated by the key for setting the mechanism at normal after the taking of the record.

16. In a machine of the class described a feeder for a succession of record sheets, recorders, impression devices associated therewith and adapted to press the record sheets thereon, operative devices for setting the mechanism back to normal after the impression, and a shaft with which said mechanisms are operatively associated to permit all saifLfunctions to be performed by a single rotation of the shaft.

17. In a device of the class described a meter, a register thereon, recording devices showing the meter reading at any time since last reading, a motor independent of the I meter for actuating the recording devices,

means synchronizing the recorders with the meter register and manually operated means for taking the record, sett-ing back one recording device to normal and renergizing the motor.

18. Recording mechanism for meters embracing in connect-ion with a meter and its register, recording mechanisms controlled by the register, a spring motor for actuating the same, and key actuated means for taking the record from said recorders.

19. A mechanism of the class described comprising an attachment for a meter embracing recording devices, actuating means independent of the meter for actuating said recording devices, synchronizing means for said recording devices controlled by the meter, said recorders showing at all times the condition of the meter since last reading and manually operated means for simultaneously taking the record from the recorders and setting the device back to normal.

20. In a recording device for meters registers for making an impression, mechanism controlled by the meter for actuating the registers correspondingly to the consumption indicated by the meter, mechanism for successively advancing material to receive the impression from the registers, pivotal levers for supporting the material while receiving the impression and release mechanism acting to swing the levers oppositely to discharge the completed record.

21. In a recording device for meters registers for making impression, mechanism controlled by the meter for actuating the registers correspondingly to the consumption indicated by the meter, mechanism for successively advancing material to receive the impression from the registers, coacting members for supporting the material while receiving the impression, a reciprocating member for forcing the material against part of the registers and a rigid member against which the remaining registers are forced when making the impression.

22. In a recording device for meters, registers for making an impression, mechanism controlled by the meter for actuating the registers correspondingly to the consumption indicated by the meter, mechanism for successively advancing material to receive the impression from the registers, coacting members for supporting the material while receiving the impression, and means for actuat-ing the coacting members to release the material after the impression is made.

23. In a meter recording device, a plurality of sets of registers, mechanism for actuating the same to indicate the consumption indicated by the meter, means for adjusting material into position to receive the record, means for actuating one set of registers to make an impression on the material andv means for forcing the material against the other set of registers for making the impression' on the material.

24. In a meter recording device, a plurality of sets of registers, mechanism for actuating the same to indicate the consumption indicated by the meter, means for adjusting material into position to receive the record, means for actuating one set of registers'to make an impression on the material, means for forcing the material against the other set of registers for making the impression on the material, and means for automatically setting one of the sets of registers to normal after the impression. 

